Theology in a Secular World

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to theology and its relevance to other academic disciplines. How does theology relate to other fields in the natural and social sciences? How are its truth claims to be understood and evaluated? And what are the practical benefits to studying theology in the twenty-first century? In this class we will read theological and biblical texts side by side with works from such contemporary disciplines as psychology, relgious studies, and environmental science. We will analyze how prominent theological writers translate a number of concepts into the language and categories of modern thought, and how they seek to find meaning in the data uncovered by the modern sciences. Readings will include works by a number of prominent Catholic writers- including Thomas Berry, Paul Knitter, Thomas merton, Henri Nouwen, and Richard Rohr- as well as texts from other religous traditions and secular fields.